The Launceston Forum has announced that Lesley Nel, the Regeneration Co-ordinator will soon be leaving to take up a new role in community regeneration in Weston-super-Mare, Som­er­set.

Lesley has, for the past four and a half years, played a leading role in bringing the Launceston Forum in to being and establishing it as a champion of Launceston and its surrounding parishes, within Cornwall and within the South West region.

Lesley has led the approach to securing significant additional local government and central government funding for the town and worked with many local groups and partners to action the community and regeneration projects that she and the Launceston Forum have played a leading role in developing.

Chris Parsons, Chairman of the Forum commented: "We are going to be really sorry to see Lesley leave; she has been central to developing the Forum and making it what it is: a prominent voice and a champion for Launceston and its surrounding parishes.

"Her ability to source funding we would not have received otherwise and to make the funding case for the town will be particularly missed. But this is a good opportunity and we wish Lesley the very best of luck in her new role."

Lesley commented: "I am of course going to be very sad to leave. I have greatly enjoyed my time in Launceston and worked on many interesting projects and with many good friends and colleagues."

One project in particular that Lesley had been working on was the Xtreme Sports project: "That's one I'd really like to see happen. I'll probably maintain an interest at arms length from Weston-super-Mare!"

Lesley added: "The Forum is a great asset for the town and its surrounding parishes and I look forward to seeing it continue to deliver benefit to Launceston and its people over the next few years."